In the past I have suggested new gameplay modes for single player mods (An SP and MP Mix, Chase and Reach Me), well today I’m going to do it again. However, this time there’s a twist because there are hundreds of maps already available.

I was browsing Snarkpit this morning in the hope of finding some SP maps that I do not have listed (I did, I think 🙂 ) and I saw a map that looked great.

I then sat there daydreaming and realized that with the seemingly sinking without trace of HoloReality I had lost hope that more DM maps could be converted into SP maps.

Anyway, I emailed the author and suggested he consider adapting the map into SP. I suggested that the basic premise would be to “clear” all the enemies to allow a rescue team to enter the area.

Searching a little more on Snarkpit I found another great looking DM map and emailed that author with the same suggestion/request.

So, here we are. A new SP mode called Clearance that uses HL2 DM maps and has the simple objective of clearing the area for a Rebel team to arrive.

Now before you think I am crazy, step back a moment. This has been done before with some success. It’s called CSS Sci-FI. The author of this great mod repackaged some Valve CSS maps into an SP mod and it was a lot of fun to play.

Therefore this idea isn’t really new but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It may just take a special way of promoting and selling it to the authors.

Kasperg kindly converted one of his DM maps for inclusion into HoloReality and it was fun to play, so that partly proves it’s possible.

Now, clearly there is a big difference between a single player and deathmatch map but many could be converted. A lot of SP maps that are released are nothing more than a large area with a few buttons to press and plenty of enemies to kill.

Obviosuly converting these maps isn’t going to make something to play that is better than a planned, story-driven mod but it might provide plenty of SP gaming that has quality maps with some intense fighting.

You only have to look at 90% of the SP maps listed here on PP to see that most are not that great.

So, here is my plan. I’ll create an email template explaining the idea and send it to plenty of map authors. Even if only a few think it’s a good idea and some of those actually do it, it may be worth it.

I’m looking for a partner in crime, preferably somebody with good DM map knowledge to help me contact the authors. We could create a list of DM maps/authors and send one email toa ll of them.

Is anybody interested in expanding the SP maps available?